One-liners: ‘I’d rather keep shut so I don’t get in trouble’

guitarist Jason Hook has refused to confirm or deny rumours the band have parted ways with bassist Matt Snell. Hook says: “There is something going in regards to that, but I’d rather keep my mouth shut so I don’t get myself in trouble.”

Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham says new recruit Richard Fortus, of Guns n’Roses, settled into the band very quickly. “Richard is a true pro who blew me away the first time I heard him play,” Gorham reports. “We ran through the songs once in soundcheck and he was spot-on. He’s a great addition to the band.”

Stone Sour bassist Shawn Economaki has left the band’s current tour for personal reasons. The band say they’ll continue their US trek with Theory of a Deadman, Skillet, Halestorm and Art of Dying with a stand-in to be announced, and add: “We regret the announcement and we wish him all the best.”

Behemoth will release an expanded package version of their early EPs Conjuration and Slaves Shall Serve in June. Abyssus Abyssum Invocat features remastered tracks, bonus tracks, new artwork and liner notes. Frontman Nergal says: “There’s been a demand for these sold-out EPs. Apart from live versions and studio songs you’ll find us challenging ourselves with covers of Nine Inch Nails, Nefilim and Danzig.”

Nikki Sixx says one of the aims of all his high-profile media work is to act as an example for those fighting drug addictions – and he believes it works. The Motley Crue bassist says: “I’ve had a lot of messages telling me my work has inspired people to get sober, or changed the way they see themselves. I don’t see why I can’t be an addict, a father, a musician, have more pyro on stage than anyone else and enjoy my life all at the same time. The message is: ‘Don’t let people hold you down.’”

Ex Black Sabbath singer Tony Martin will record guest vocals for Cypriot metal band Arrayan Path’s upcoming album, due out in September. Frontman Nicholas Leptos says: “We’re truly humbled. Tony’s singing is out of this world and it’s evident in his performance during our song Ira Imperium (The Damned).”

The latest supergroup to hit the studio features former Yngwie Malmsteen singer Mike Vescera, Dio bassist Rudy Sarzo, Judas Priest drummer Scott Travis and guitarist Chris Imellitteri, who says: “We have great chemistry and the music is definitely metal. We’re looking forward to live dates.”

Kiss mainman Paul Stanley says the band have nearly finished work on the follow-up album to 2009′s acclaimed Sonic Boom. “But this album leaves Sonic Boom in the dust,” he says. “It’s awesome and you’ll be hearing it soon.”

Chimaira have revealed their new lineup after two members left the band in recent days. Keyboardist Chris Spicuzza is replaced by Sean Zatorsky of Daath and drummer Andols Herrick is replaced by Austin D’Amond of Bleed the Sky. Drum tracks for their upcoming album have already been laid down by producer Ben Schigel.

The Alice Cooper Band will appear as holograms from across the Atlantic at an event in London on May 11. They’ll play a live concert via 4D broadcasting at Battersea Power Station to mark the release of the band’s box set. Cooper says: “We couldn’t resist the first-ever holographic rock gig. It’s a cutting-edge conjuring trick and we can’t wait to see the results.”

kurt cobain has got to be the most talentless lead singer of the list if not all time…it’s a crime that r.j. dio was left off of there as well as a host of other metal Gods disrespected by this list. and i’m sorry, mick jagger has the WORST voice live or otherwise ever heard by man!!! the guy is awful and is privleged that he happened to be apart of a rock movement that none other than kieth richards was responsible of creating…